SUN 18th October 2009
Preston GH U/15 43 v Littleborough U/16 28
Because Boro are a young squad made up of plenty U/15s it was decided by both Clubs to go for a match with Host U/15s, who are Lancashire Champions and what a fantastic game to watch, worthy of being a video youth training film for all to copy. Never have Boro put on such a magnificent performance,standing toe to toe, competing at every phase of the game, matching try for try, even taking the lead twice what a truly top quality match. The host started brightly and after 10mins ran in a good try no conversion, however Boro didn't drop their heads, in fact just the opposite and the forwards led by Henry Ashworth got really stuck in and produced plenty of ball for Captain, Danny Lawlor to supply his outhalf partner Isaac Campbell who made quick breaks through the host defence. On another visit to Boro's 22metre area the opposition suddenly made a drop goal conversion and you would have expected Boro to slump but they shrugged their shoulders and got on with it,all credit to them, and got on with it they did, prop Jack Lord started to make valueable yards, supported by his fellow front rowers, Luke Harrison and Tom Hannant,who himself did a brilliant run, then who else but Matthew Goldthorpe, at centre got his hands on the ball and raced through to score all Boro supporters cheered and shouted praise, especally when Danny Lawlor converted for the first of his 100% conversion kicks, game on!
It was now becoming nip and tuck, first the Host team had advantage, then Boro stepped up their work rateHenry Ashworth at number 8 was continually taking the opposition on creating opportunities for the ball to pass sweetly through several hands real exciting rugby. Daniel Leslie and second row partner Johnny Gartside both showing gutsy hard work from which wing forward Alex Hartley proved the player we all thought he was to race through the Host defence and score Boro's second try tremendous Danny Lawlor again spot on with conversion. The first half coming to an end just after Host second try gaining lead with conversion by only 1point. Second half commenced with all to play for and with Toby Dalton and centre partner Matthew Goldthorpe carring out some super tackles Boro looked possible to take the game and low and behold newcomer Will Drake playing his first full game for Boro on the wing having a great game took the ball around half way, cut in first left and then right beat one after another to cross the line for a wonderfull solo try again that man Danny Lawlor to add 2pts. Again Boro in lead how good to see Winger Laurence Fairweather catching high kicked ball and running at defence, supported by fullback Luke Alexander. Again however the Host team hit back and got themselves another converted try, Boro back with another try plus Danny Lawlor 2pts from the courtesy of host player on loan. Finally Boro's opponents managed further converted try's but no one will take away the absolute powerfull performance Boro displayed, THE WHOLE TEAM CAME OF AGE TODAY. For his great efforts, his try and the fact it was his first full match for Boro "Man of the Match " went to Will Drake. Great performance by everyone!
Sunday 11th October 2009
Littleborough rufc U/16 0 v Fleetwood rufc U/16 30
At Home again for the second Lancashire Cup match Boro boys did show better committment and tried to compete but being a young U/16 they find the opposition that much bigger, stronger and faster. Boro forwards gave a good account for themselves Henry Ashworth always trying very hard front row of Tom Hannant, Luke Harrison and Jack Lord held their own whilst second row Daniel Leslie and Johnny Carr tried extremely hard, Mark James and Johnny Gartside supporting from back row. The early part of the match saw Boro putting some good rugby together even though the opposition had a quick try and it was hard luck on Boro that a penalty received just missed, however they fought well but were up against a decent side. Captain Danny Lawlor worked tirelesly with his outhalf Isaac Campbell who in turn tried to get his centres Toby Dalton and Matthew Goldthorpe into the game but their wingers Laurence Fairweather and Elliot Fleming got starved of ball even fullback Luke Alexander tried to come in the back line to assist. Having chased and tackled for threequarters of the game the Boro boys took the last 20mins and turned in a great performance showing that they can play quality Rugby it was a pity they didn't get the points they deserved. Now they have to remember this and start next weeks match as they finished todays. Man of the Match went to Toby Dalton for his tireless play at a new position as centre threequarter.
Littleborough rufc U/16 5pts v Rochdale rufc U/16 30pts
This was the Season's first Lancashire Cup match for each team and being local rivals there was quite a big crowd up at Rakewood to watch, and coming from a reasonable start to the season by Boro drawing 5pts all last weekend the home supporters were looking for good play by the Boro lads but unfortunately they were very disappointed. The boy's were a pale copy from a week ago, very little ball domination and very weak tackling. Perhaps the early couple of tries scored agaist them and excellently converted took the wind out of their sails. Shoulders slumped,heads went down and their defensive line they have been practising was just forgotten.
In the second half the one bright passage of play from Boro saw Henry Ashworth break from the pack and make a great run to the opposition 10 metre where he was caught , a ruck ensued and Boro,s wing forward Alex Hartley took the ball over the line for an opportunist try, not converted. The visitors in turn beautifully converted later tries and took the day's honours. At next Wednesday night training Boro will have to work on ball retension, correct tackling and defensive line. Man of the Match for Boro was Henry Ashworth who stood head and shoulders above his team mates.
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